Synthesis of Information Related to Transit Practices. Topic SB-48. Wayfinding Strategies for Improved Access to Transit Centers

As transit agencies seek to improve access and navigation across their systems, effective wayfinding has emerged as a critical factor in enhancing multimodal connectivity. Many agencies are implementing signage, digital tools, and real-time information systems to better guide riders on how to navigate to and from transit centers. However, these strategies (both visual controls and physical controls such as roadway and site design) vary widely among agencies, with no universal standards governing how wayfinding should be designed or deployed. Effective wayfinding enhances the transit experience by helping users—especially those navigating first- and last-mile connections by biking, walking, or using shared micromobility—easily identify routes, access points, and multimodal facilities. Clear signage and navigation tools improve transit usability, support increased ridership, and foster multimodal integration by guiding riders to amenities such as bike parking, micromobility stations, and pedestrian pathways. Wayfinding also improves accessibility for people with disabilities and others seeking more intuitive station access. With a wide range of current practices in place, there is an opportunity to document how transit agencies are implementing effective wayfinding strategies to support seamless multimodal connectivity. The objective of this synthesis is to document current transit agency practices in developing and implementing wayfinding systems that support multimodal station access. This includes signage, maps, digital wayfinding tools, and real-time information for cyclists, pedestrians, and other micromobility users. The synthesis will highlight agency strategies, partnerships, challenges, and lessons learned to provide a broader understanding of current practices in this field.

• Record URL:
  • http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=5933
• Supplemental Notes:
  • Contract to a Performing Organization has not yet been awarded.

Language

• English

Project

• Status: Proposed
• Funding: $75,000.00
• Contract Numbers:

  Project J-07, Topic SB-48

• Sponsor Organizations:

  Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP) Synthesis

  Transportation Research Board
  500 Fifth Street, NW
  Washington, DC    20001

  Federal Transit Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Project Managers:

  Griswold, Emily

• Start Date: 20250508
• Expected Completion Date: 0
• Actual Completion Date: 0

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Access; Multimodal transportation; Rail transit stations; Strategic planning; Transit authorities; Wayfinding
• Subject Areas: Operations and Traffic Management; Public Transportation; Terminals and Facilities;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01960823
• Record Type: Research project
• Source Agency: Transportation Research Board
• Contract Numbers: Project J-07, Topic SB-48
• Files: TRB, RIP
• Created Date: Jul 16 2025 3:08PM